You’ve probably talked to your child about screen time, bullying, or stranger danger online. But there’s another risk growing under the surface, and it’s one that’s easy to miss. Studies have shown that the prevalence of eating disorders among adolescents — including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder — is increasing worldwide.
We often hear about this problem when it comes to young women, but boys are being pulled into it too. In fact, more boys than ever are struggling with body image and eating disorders because of online trends like looksmaxxing (trying to “upgrade” your appearance) and mewing (a supposed way to reshape your jawline).
22% of children and adolescents worldwide show disordered eating.
Jama Pediatrics
Eating disorders among adolescents are complex and multi-layered, and while social media isn’t the root cause, it can intensify existing risk factors like low self-esteem, perfectionism, or a history of anxiety. Knowing about this negative impact is the first step to helping.
Understanding Eating Disorders
Anorexia Nervosa Anorexia is an eating disorder marked by extreme food restriction, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image. It typically begins around age 12.3 and has one of the highest mortality rates of any mental illness — up to 11%, with 1 in 5 deaths caused by suicide. Genetics play a major role, accounting for up to 80% of risk.
Bulimia Nervosa involves cycles of binge eating followed by behaviors like vomiting or excessive exercise to prevent weight gain. It often begins in adolescence and can lead to serious health complications, including heart problems and electrolyte imbalances. Many individuals with bulimia maintain a normal weight, making it harder to detect.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder in the U.S., affecting people of all ages and genders. It involves frequent episodes of eating large amounts of food, often in secret, without purging. Unlike bulimia, BED is associated with feelings of shame rather than compensatory behaviors and can contribute to long-term health issues like obesity and depression.
How Social Media Content Can Trigger Eating Disorders
Social media doesn’t directly cause eating disorders among adolescents, but it often fuels them. Young people are still developing their sense of identity and self-worth. When they spend time in online spaces filled with edited photos, filtered faces, and extreme routines, it becomes harder to separate what’s real from what’s not.
For girls, the pressure often revolves around being thinner or smaller. But boys face a different kind of ideal such as having visible abs, sharp jawlines, and being as muscular or “aesthetic” as possible. Some boys go so far as to try painful or harmful methods, like hitting their own faces in hopes of changing bone structure (yes, this happens and it’s called bonesmashing). These trends may seem fringe, but they’re being shared and repeated by millions of teens across TikTok and YouTube.
The more a teen interacts with this type of content — liking, watching, or sharing — the more they see it. That’s how social media algorithms work. One video about “clean eating” can quickly spiral into videos promoting extreme calorie restriction or unrealistic “before-and-after” transformations. And for a teen who’s already insecure, this content can be especially damaging.
Platforms to Watch Closely for Eating Disorder Content
While any platform can spread harmful messages, a few stand out as particularly risky for teens struggling with body image. TikTok and Instagram Reels are fast-moving and visual, which makes it easier for “tips” to go viral without context. Videos about mewing, weight loss hacks, or “how to get shredded fast” often mix in just enough truth to feel convincing. This is especially true when such content is coming from good-looking, confident influencers.
Reddit is another place where some teens explore dangerous ideas. There are entire forums focused on self-improvement that can veer into toxic territory, especially for boys.
Even Snapchat, with its face filters and photo editing tools, contributes to something called Snapchat dysmorphia — a growing problem where kids feel bad about how they look in real life because they’re so used to seeing filtered versions of themselves.
Social media is part of many kids’ lives today, and it isn’t all harmful. It can be creative, entertaining, and even supportive. But it’s important to recognize that the content they’re exposed to, especially when it’s repeated over time, can quietly influence how they feel about themselves. Even short videos or casual posts can shape what they believe is normal or ideal, often without them realizing it. That’s why staying aware of the messages they’re seeing matters, just as much as how much time they’re spending online.
How to Spot the Signs That Something’s Wrong
Some signs are easier to notice than others. If your child suddenly becomes very focused on their body, starts skipping meals, or changes how they dress (for example, wearing baggy clothes to hide their shape), it could be a red flag. They might also start taking lots of selfies, spending extra time editing their appearance, or working out obsessively.
Other signs are digital. They may create secret accounts, follow extreme fitness or diet influencers, or start using hashtags like #mewing, #looksmaxxing, or #starvemaxxing. While some of this might seem like a passing phase, it can be a sign that deeper issues are forming, especially if their mood changes or they become withdrawn or irritable.
It’s also important to note that boys often hide these struggles or express them differently. They may not talk about feeling “fat,” but they might say they’re not strong enough or that their face isn’t “defined” enough. One recent study found that nearly 1 in 5 boys may meet the criteria for an eating disorder. Unfortunately, many don’t seek help because they’re embarrassed or don’t see it as a problem boys are supposed to have.
What Parents Can Do to Help
Start the conversation. Ask your teen about what they’re seeing online, who they follow, what kinds of posts catch their attention, and how certain content makes them feel. Be curious, not critical. Use those moments to teach media literacy by helping them question who’s in control of the narrative behind a post or video.
Conversations about body image shouldn’t be limited to girls. Boys face their own set of pressures around strength, muscle definition, and “improving” their looks. Creating space to talk about these issues openly can go a long way in building trust.
Be mindful of everyday language. Comments like “real men have abs” or “she’s too skinny” may seem offhand, but they often reinforce narrow ideas about how bodies should look. Try shifting the focus away from appearance altogether. Talk about how bodies help us live our lives — whether that’s walking to school, dancing with friends, playing an instrument, or just getting through a tough day.
If your teen is ready for social media, encourage your teen to follow a mix of creators online, especially those who embrace different body types and speak openly about self-worth, confidence, and mental health.
Stay involved, not controlling. If you have concerns about the content your child is engaging with, explain why. Rather than taking away access or issuing strict limits, invite them into the conversation. Teens are more likely to share what’s bothering them when they feel respected and understood. You don’t have to eliminate social media, but you can help them navigate it with awareness and resilience.
Where to Turn for Help
If concerns arise, lean on resources such as the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), which provide guides for parents and teens alike.
Your child’s school counselor or pediatrician can also be a first step. And if you think your teen would benefit from a break from toxic content, consider phone options like Gabb or content filters to help reduce pressure without cutting them off entirely.
Eating disorders among adolescents are all too real. Whether a teen is dealing with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating, or they’re caught in a spiral of social media comparison, early awareness and action make all the difference.
Social media platforms are powerful. They offer chances to connect, educate, and inform. But unchecked, they can also erode self-esteem. Parents play a pivotal role. By talking openly, building media literacy, and providing safe support, you can help your child build a healthy relationship with both their body and the world around them.
Share this article with other parents to help raise awareness about eating disorders. Together, we can create a culture where kids feel seen, supported, and safe in their own skin.
Have you seen these trends pop up in your child’s feed? Or had conversations about body image and social media at home? We’d love to hear your thoughts — share your experiences or questions in the comments below. Let’s learn from each other and keep the conversation going.
Author Jackie Baucom
Jackie is a Gabb staff writer. She is the mother of four children and is passionate about keeping kids safe, happy, loved, and thriving. She has a degree in Mass Communication from the University of Utah.
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